Mó Square

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Faro > Portimão > Portimão > Bom Retiro

Location

Largo da Mó is situated in a central area of Portimão, contributing to the urban dynamics of the locality. It is located in the area known as Bom Retiro, a convergence point that reflects the daily life of the city and integrates harmoniously into its urban fabric.

Historical Legacy

The most distinctive element of Largo da Mó is the mó (millstone), an imposing grinding stone that gives the space its name. This millstone is a remnant of an old, private olive oil mill, known as "Lagar do Mariano" (Mariano's Mill), which once operated precisely in this area. The mill was decommissioned in the 1970s, and the millstone was subsequently preserved by the municipality, becoming a central landmark in the square and a testament to the rural and economic activity that characterized Portimão.

A Meeting Point

Beyond its relevance linked to olive oil production, Largo da Mó held a crucial role as a transit and commercial point at the end of the 19th century. It was a place where, for instance, water jugs were traded, revealing its importance as an epicenter of exchanges and social interaction for the local community at the time. This aspect underscores the cultural dimension and historical experience of the space, which served as a small open-air market and a stopping point.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt